Hip Hop is proud to introduce another first to its list of innovations! This stime a book, heralded as the world’s first and only trivia book devoted to hip hop culture, has just stepped into the ring.

Called “Peep This!: Hip Hop Trivia Volume 1″ will entertain, inform and challenge every hip hop fan from the old to the new.

This book features over 400 questions on the artists you know and love. You can test yourself or your friends on anything from your favorite artists to your favorite songs.

Finally there is a book that teaches the history of hip hop in a fun and creative way. If you want to learn more about hip hop or want to see how much you already know, then this book is for you.

Peep This! Hip Hop Trivia Volume I, will help teach young hip hop fans about the early days of hip hop and also test them on hip hop artistS of today. This book will have old-school hip hop fans reminiscing about artists and songs they loved back in the day. Whatever level your knowledge is on the hip hop culture, you will enjoy this book.

How did you learn your rites of passage?
According to Baba Koleoso Karade, aka Nashid Fakhrid-Deen, JD, Rites-of-Passage programs are a method of healing the Black male. In his new book, Reaching Black Males Through Spirituality he states “Today we search for ways to reach Black males in reference to their education, career, social, and moral duties. Our African and Native American ancestors had the answer in their cultural educational systems.”

This monumental work is the result of Karade’s 25 years of experience working with African-American youth in higher education, as well as his personal spiritual journey.

Karade was raised in the Baptist church, but also became an active minister in the Nation of Islam, an Imam of traditional Islam, studied with a Hindu Yogi, and in 1998 was initiated as a priest in the traditional African religion of Ifa.

He blended his educational experience with aspects of African, Native American and Indian culture to create a specific Rites-of-Passage program, which speaks to the needs of black males. Koleoso has created a 9-month, three-phase program that flows with the earth’s natural cycles, beginning at the Spring Equinox (March 21) and ending in the winter at the beginning of Kwanzaa.

The curriculum is holistic, and includes subjects ranging from African & African-American history, sex education, social values, personal finance, and art. Educators, youth counselors, teachers and families can implement the entire program or incorporate aspects of it into their own practices.

The program’s goal is to develop healthy, culturally aware, responsible, BALANCED males. Through Rites-of-Passage programs such as these, young Black males are initiated into manhood becoming the MEN so desperately needed in the community.

The Judas Factor, has been written based on fifteen years of research, including hundreds of interviews and the examination of 300,000 pages declassified FBI and CIA documents.

On February 21, 1965, Malcom Little, revolutionary known as Malcom X, was shot and killed in the beginning of a meeting. Still today his murder is a very complicated riddle; although he gave to his wife and a close friend a list with the name of five black muslims he thought to be the ones who might kill him, that list was never made public.

Apparently, there are three possible theories behind his murder, which are:

- The Black Muslims

The Hon. Elijah Muhammad was very disappointed with him for various estrange reasons. He suspended Malcom X for 90 days because he had made negative comments about Kennedy’s murder in a meeting, where according to Elijah Muhammad, only muslim matters should have been addressed that day. Although, apparently, every member inside the mosques was celebrating Kennedy’s death.

Anoher possible motive was the spreading rumours about Elijah’s extramarital relationships with his young secretaries with whom he fathered more than ten children.

- The Intelligence Community

What anybody knew, black moderate leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr, the same Malcom X, the Hon. Elijah Muhammad and many others; was that the FBI with J. Edgar Hoover ahead, and the CIA were following every single move that they made, any conversation by phone was recorded, they infiltrate every organisation with secret agents and agents provocateur. As they feared a possible alliance between African American radicals and moderates.

- The Mafia

Just days after Malcom’s murder, it was thought that the Mafia could had had something to do with his murder as their drugs profits in the black community had fallen dramatically.

An incredible catchy book that for sure we will keep you on the edge of the chair while reading it, as it happened to me. The sequence of the plot is very strong from the beginning to the end as it shows the plots behind of the killings of other leaders, not only Afroamericans, but Africans, Asians and South Americans.

Run out and get your copy!

African American Lives offers up-to-date, authoritative biographies of some 600 noteworthy African Americans. These 1,000-3,000 word biographies, selected from over five thousand entries in the forthcoming eight-volume African American National Biography, illuminate African-American history through the immediacy of individual experience.

From Esteban, the earliest known African to set foot in North America in 1528, right up to the continuing careers of Venus and Serena Williams, these stories of the renowned and the near forgotten give us a new view of American history.

Our past is revealed from personal perspectives that in turn inspire, move, entertain, and even infuriate the reader. Subjects include slaves and abolitionists, writers, politicians, and business people, musicians and dancers, artists and athletes, victims of injustice and the lawyers, journalists, and civil rights leaders who gave them a voice. Their experiences and accomplishments combine to expose the complexity of race as an overriding issue in America’s past and present.

African American Lives features frequent cross-references among related entries, over 300 illustrations, and a general index, supplemented by indexes organized by chronology, occupation or area of renown, and winners of particular honors such as the Spingarn Medal, Nobel Prize, and Pulitzer Prize.

Here’s an Extract

Onesimus

Born in Africa, Onesimus was a slave of Cotton Mather, a Puritan minister in Boston. When a smallpox epidemic broke out in Boston in 1721, Onesimus informed his master about an inoculation procedure practiced in Africa. The centuries-old practice was practiced throughout Africa and involved the extraction of material from the pustule of an infected person and, using a thorn, scratching it into the skin of the unaffected person. The deliberate introduction of smallpox gives the inoculated person immunity from the disease. In some cases, there is no reaction while a mild non-fatal form of the disease may occur in others.

Although inoculation was considered to be extremely dangerous, Cotton Mather was steadfast in accepting the reliability of the information provided by Onesimus, and convinced Dr. Zabdiel Boylston to experiment with the procedure. Beginning with his son and two slaves, he inoculated over 240 people.

The process of inoculation was politically, medically and religiously opposed in the United States and Europe. In religious circles, it was deemed unnatural and perceived as subverting God’s will. Public reaction to the experiment was so adverse that both Mather and Boylston’s lives were threatened. Records indicate that the inoculation process itself killed 2 percent of the patients who requested it, while 15 percent of the people who contracted the disease and were not inoculated died from the virus.

Onesimus’ recollection of a traditional African medical practice saved numerous lives and sparked the introduction of smallpox inoculation in the United States.

Traditional African medicine is a holistic science that incorporates considerable use of indigenous herbalism with elements of African spirituality. Illness is not seen as a purely physical problem; it can also be attributed to spiritual causes engendered by displeasing the spirits—ancestors or gods.

Traditional healers apply scientific and non-scientific methods. The scientific methods involve the prescription of herbal medicines, which have proven to be just as efficient and also provided the basis for Western medicines.

For example, kaolin, the active ingredient in Kaopectate, has always been used to treat diarrhea in Mali; the bark of trees which yield salicylic acid, the active ingredient in aspirin, has been prescribed by Bantu-speaking healers to cure musculoskeletal diseases.

The non-scientific methods involve the appeasement or expulsion of the spirit(s) responsible for the patient’s bad health. The social and psychological effects of these methods were highly successful. As in the case of psychotherapy, medication and the power of suggestion were used by traditional healers to treat the whole person.

He is easily and probably the hardest working man in academia, black or otherwise…
If Henry Louis Gates Jr. were an entertainer, he might challenge James Brown for the title of “hardest-working man in show business.” But Gates isn’t in showbiz; he’s a scholar. “Hardest-working man in academia” isn’t catchy, but it just might fit.

The just-released African American Lives (Oxford University Press, $55, co-edited with Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham) brings the number of books Gates has edited or co-edited to 51. He has written or co-written another 12.

And Gates, 54, isn’t slowing down. On sabbatical from Harvard, he is working on a history of blacks in the 18th century, featuring people such as poet Phillis Wheatley.

Other projects:

- A four-part PBS series on blacks in Latin America. He’s looking for funding and hopes to begin in January. “We’re going to make it a trilogy,” Gates says. “We did Africa first (Wonders of the African World in 1999). We did America second (America Beyond the Color Line in February). Now, I want to go to about 10 South American countries.”

- A network of after-school programs focusing on African-American history and computer skills. Called Martin Luther King Schools, the network is modeled after Hebrew schools. The first program opened in Boston and three more followed in Baltimore, and Gates says he is in negotiations to open five in Cleveland. He aims for nationwide reach. “I’m calling for a new civil rights movement where black people stand up and stress the importance of education. We need to remember the traditional black values, when literature was the most important thing.”

- Plans for an expanded four-volume edition of Encyclopedia Africana. The original, 1999 edition is considered a landmark reference book on the black world.

- Harvard’s program, of which he is chairman. “We lost (K. Anthony) Appiah and (Cornel) West, and you can’t replace them,” Gates says. “But we hired five new people. We changed the name to African and African-American Studies Department. Now, instead of being No. 1 in African-American studies, we’re No. 1 in African and African-American studies.”

Are things looking good?

“I’m blessed,” he says.

Two years ago, things weren’t looking so great. Gates watched as his dream team of black scholars began to crack. After a very public squabble with Harvard President Lawrence Summers, scholar/activist West quit and returned to Princeton. Appiah, co-editor with Gates of 1999′s Encyclopedia Africana, also left.

“It was a nightmare,” Gates says. “My two best friends, the two smartest people in their fields, ended up going to Princeton. It was terrible.”

But that, as they say, is history.

Gates is now celebrating African American Lives, which was two years in the making. The book features biographies of 600 African-Americans, living or dead.

“We included living people because much of our history happened in the last century.”

The bios, each running about a page, range from lesser-known blacks – Spanish explorer Esteban, cowboy Nat Love (aka Deadwood d***) and cyclist Major Taylor – to highly recognizable names – Oprah Winfrey, BET founder Robert Johnson and Louis Armstrong.

“There are all kinds of black people who have fallen through the historical cracks,” Gates says. “It’s about finding black people who are lost to American history and bringing them back to life.”

Gates and his staff compiled a database of 12,000 African-Americans. From that, his editorial board picked the 600 “all-time greatest hits,” as he calls them, each written by a scholar. “Let’s say you’re the world’s expert on Langston Hughes,” Gates says. “I would contact you and ask you to write a 2,000-word essay.”

The result, he says, is the most complete book of African-American biographies anywhere. Gates says it’s a precursor to an even more ambitious project: The African American National Biography, an eight- to 10-volume collection of 11,000 biographies. A tie-in PBS documentary series, projected to air in 2006, also is planned.

“We could stop right now and have the most definitive biography of African-Americans anywhere,” he said. “No one’s been crazy enough to do a huge, multi-volume edition. It will be very definitive.”

Did you know that it is impossible for anyone to spend one day of his or her life without using a Black invention?
Dr. Romeo L. Taylor, Sr. presents “Exposed, True Black History as it has never been taught”.

“Exposed” is an enlightening study of the black holocaust (the slave trade) and its” resonating repercussions worldwide. In the book, he talks in detail about the significant historical moments involving blacks not detailed in conventional history books. Most importantly, however, “Exposed” makes a strong case for reparations (to Blacks in America), which is an issue that has recently come to the forefront of the Civil Rights struggle.

“If you want to study about Blacks in America, it should be American history as it relates to Black people,” writes Taylor.” The writers of American history neglected to include Black contributions in the development of the United States and the world, in their history books. The also manipulated some educators to divide American history into black and white; whereby they didn’t have to teach black involvement in American history.”

Taylor touches on other subjects affecting the Black community at large such as the truth about drugs and drug trafficking, welfare, crime, violence and the portrayal of blacks as perpetuated in various media outlets.

Rounding out his comprehensive manuscript are little known but important facts. For instance, did you know that there have been six (6) Black Presidents in the U. S. (a picture of the last Black Presidents white father and black mother are included in the book) or that Black Madonna’s are revered in Poland, Spain, Russia, France, Germany, Italy and other national around the world. Taylor also tells of black emperors, popes, kings and queens in England and Sweden.

“Exposed” is an impressive literary work, which provides a chronology of contributions Black people have made in creating civilization and society as we know it today. This book is an excellent gift for loved ones, family and friends to commemorate Black History Month.

Click here for Part 1.

A brief summary of these signs are as follows:-Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Passionate, sensual,insatiable lover, selfish and sadistic. These are just a few words describing an aries, Thelma Balfour mentions a lot more.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Passionate, sensual,insatiable lover, selfish and sadistic. These are just a few words describing an aries, Thelma Balfour mentions a lot more. The Aries man oozes confidence which is one of the things you will notice about them straight away. When I met an aries man this was apparent straight away, he had a wonderful body and didn’t have any qualms showing it off. Aries are very much the nomadic people of the zodiac and are always on the move. In a nutshell an Aries woman is very forceful, bossy and independent.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
Conventional, and methodical lover, an insatiable sexual appetite. The Taurus man is easy-going and he undertakes any task including dating in a slow methodical way. The women of the sign are more independent and they have very stringent requirements as to what they want in a relationship.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
Unconventional lover, kinky, and a confident partner. The Gemini brother is very communicative. Okay he is a chatterbox, you would be hard pressed to shut him up. Once you have got his attention which is an arduous task in itself you will be showered with romance. The Gemini sister is the charmer and she is also manipulative. Style is something she epitomises.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Emotional, considerate and insecure. Cancer men are usually very traditional and romantic. He will organise candlelit dinners complete with rose petals. A cancer man that I was dating used to set my bath every time I went over to see him then I would get a full body massage. Hmmmmm those were the days. The female of the sign is the maternal type that you can tell your secrets to and receive sound advice.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Traditional, dramatic, aggressive, selfish in bed. Leos are the life of the party. They crave attention and once this is given they thrive on it. Leo men in particular are optimistic, and
always full of fun. When I was seeing a Leo man, due to his addiction to the spotlight he was always trying to attract attention. This became overbearing and it came to an end. The women are generous and warm people. They are also very meticulous in their overall presentation.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Methodical, arduous lover, unimaginative, prudish in bed. Virgo men hardly ever do one night stands. They are the gentlemen of the sign, considerate, kind etc. He is traditional in his outlook
on the dating game and prefers to do the chasing. The women are hard work and you will need plenty of patience, due to her many projects and worries.

Libra (September 23 – October 22)
Exotic lover, confidant partner, prone to infidelity, very kinky. Libran men are very popular with the women and love the romantic process. He is very charismatic and confident. The Libran woman is intriguing challenging, and attentive. One of my best friends is a Libran and she is definitely challenging at the best of times, but I love her all the same. When I have a problem she has a methodical way of looking at the situation, putting forward the logical solutions.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
Passionate, sensual, Insatiable lover. Both men and women have a penetrating look when they are interested in someone. The women can be overbearing and obsessive but are very passionate about protecting loved ones and partners. I have personal experience of this because I am indeed a scorpion woman. I have only noticed since reading this book that I am a tad excessive. I telephoned an ex-boyfriend 15 times in the space of an hour. Damn!!! I cant believe I done that myself. The men are a challenge and will empathise with you. However, he is prone to jealous rages, and mood swings.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
Prone to bisexuality, inconsiderate, traditional lover, confident partner. Sagittarians are intriguing regarding their vast knowledge of things. They are humorous and will have you laughing a lot. The females of the sign are dynamic and adventurous. They must have creativity in whatever is current in their lives. The men are easy going and intelligent with self-confidence to boot. They
have no inhibitions getting to know all kinds of people. I know a Sagittarius man who would talk to the alcoholics and drug addicts on the streets where he lived.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
Conventional, methodical, may put love-making on a schedule, like 8.30pm Saturdays. The men and women of the sign are very busy and hard working people. The men of the sign absolutely deny the above description regarding the love-making on a schedule. They enjoy the outdoor activities and the arts. The women are very cautious in the love the game so you will need plenty of patience.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
Kinky partner, unselfish, unpredictable, perverse lover. The Aquarian woman has charisma and a great sense of humour. My Aquarian friend has a warped sense of humour. She once urinated in a bottle of champagne and put it in the fridge for her flat mate to drink. The men are meticulous in love relationships and will take their time. They are very image driven and have the latest haircut, clothing, and car etc.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
Romantic, imaginative kinky, and a sensitive lover. These brothers are also part of the sloth family and will take their time with you. They are the mystery people of the zodiac. They hold
their cards close to their chest, and will not give this up very easily. The women are compassionate caring people. They are very intuitive and intriguing.

Click here for Part 1.

Click here for Part 2.

I have always had an interest in astrology. Well except the parts of it that go into one about ‘…the moon in Neptune is apparent so keep your emotions under control…’ All I want to know is, when am I going to meet that tall dark handsome man? Is there any money coming my way soon? Or should I make a change in my career?

All jokes aside I am not saying I totally believe everything that it states, but sometimes these astrologists are pretty accurate with their predictions.

I used to read the star signs in the local/national newspapers. However, as a black woman I could never relate to what they were actually saying, due to the fact that on a whole these signs were directed at Europeans. Until now that is.

‘Black Love Signs – An Afrocentric guide…’ by Thelma Balfour, is an exceptional black
perspective of the zodiac signs. This book takes you, on a journey of the star signs using real life experiences of Nubian people.

Okay I admit it, I didn’t actually read all of the book, but who does when reading these types of books. Usually, you only read about the signs that are appropriate to your life including the star signs of your close friends, potential or present partners.

This book was very informative and enjoyable. What I especially liked is the section that matches the different signs together and explains what the relationship would be like. I also enjoyed the ideas of gifts for each star sign and what would be more appreciated by them.

I can honestly say that there wasn’t anything that I disliked about the book because it was a clear, concise and unique look at the zodiac signs. However, I would have liked to see the relationship aspect expanded a bit more, mainly on friendships or the sort.

Overall this was a well written book with humour, wit and insight. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is even remotely interested in the star signs. It gives you an afrocentric perspective that has been lacking in the mainstream for many years. Centuries. Moons and…erm..even Stars!

Click here for Part 2.

Now the truth of the African peoples is being told. Contrary to popular belief, civilization and technology was not invented by the Europians.
While Europe was desolate, the civilations of the African continent flurished through and possibly beyond 5,000 BC.

Some theories have placed the construction of the Sphinx and the Giza pyramids to 10,000 BC. It is therefore possible that Africans who had the construction knowledge to build these structures, and align them with the constelations, could eaisly build and navigate the Atlantic ocean.

Remember what they forgot to tell you in history class is that Columbus sailed down to Africa to catch the currents to the west. Currents already known to the African continent. It is also fair to postulate that the story of Atlantis could be a tale of the American continents past down through the ages.

The story of Atlantis was told to a Greek by an Egyptian priest. The story was then made famous by Plato. Finally the truth is slowly emerging, after being supressed for centuries. I believe half the story has never been told!

Dr. Woodson wrote this book over 60 years ago and his observations of social and educational conditions hold true to this day.
This book was my introduction to my continuing studies of African American history and I recommend that anyone beginning their studies begin with this book.

There will be many instances when you will nod your head in agreement with what is stated, and other times when you will learn things about your own behaviors that you could not previously understand. The only reason that I couldn’t give this book five stars is because it is a scholarly text and it is a little difficult for less sophisticated readers.